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My mom, Margie Wright, is the director of the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, which is located near downtown Dallas. She's been working there for just over a decade, as part of a long career in social work and public service for those who really need help. I just wanted to help get her agency more exposure, in an effort to help with their fundraising efforts.

At this time of year, and in our current economic climate, it's easy for people to slip into depression and feelings of utter helplessness. The recession has taken a toll on our national morale, simply put. For those who are nearing the end of their rope, the Suicide and Crisis Center provides tangible help and a stellar and well-trained group of volunteers who are ready to listen.

Ironically, when times are tough, and people have less money to give, the center's services are needed more than ever. If you or anyone close to you has been affected by suicide, you probably wish that you could have done something more to help. I lost two friends of mine last year, one to cancer and one to suicide. Obviously, I couldn't do much other than pray to help my friend with cancer, but it might have only taken one conversation to save my other friend's life. Having undergone a major depression as a teenager, I know this from first-hand experience.

The center provides a wide array of services, including:

24-hour crisis line

Support groups for survivors of suicide

"Teens Can Survive" - proactive program developed to help identify youths who are suffering from mental illness and/or contemplating suicide

Suicide debriefings - organized within 24-48 hours to help groups cope with loss

Crisis intervention services

Professional in-service workshops

As part of their intervention program, the Suicide and Crisis Center also provides training for local law enforcement. A SWAT Sergeant who completed this training stated, "The Center's Crisis Intervention Model is the most organized and effective tool I have ever used in defusing a crisis." WOW!

I have donated to the center myself, and I feel that it's certainly a worthy cause, regardless of my own family ties. If you're interested in donating, visit: http://www.sccenter.org/donation.html